#LazyNigerianYouth: Meet David Afolabi – A Legit Entrepreneur

With all the talk about #LazyNigerianYouth, Crown Features are now important than ever. We here at TheArtOfAde.com are doubling down on our Crown Feature series so that we can celebrate and put a spotlight on all the youth making waves and creating their own lane. On today’s edition, we have a legitimate fashion mavin who is not letting anything or anyone get in his way. Hello world, say hi to David Afolabi, a LEGIT entrepreneur.

I am Afolabi David Oluwadamilola. I’m 18 years of age and I’m an entrepreneur, currently studying International Relations and Diplomatic Studies at Bowen University. I am not a #LazyNigerianYouth.

Wow, you’re quite young to have your own brand. When did you begin the entrepreneurial journey?

I started back early last year in January 2017. To be honest, I was actually not doing anything before the Legit Apparel was created which is why I took my time and paid attention to every detail before jumping into business. This is because if you just jump into business without a business plan, your vision for the business is bound to be a failure.

Tell us about your brand, Legit Apparel.

Legit Apparel is an apparel line that produces quality and trendy caps, shirts, bags and many fashion items at very affordable prices.

I was actually inspired to create my business because of what’s going on in the country. I’ve always said to myself that I’m not going to work under someone and I want to be my own boss. I would say I work from home but my business is actually a mobile one.

Which tool do you take advantage of to get customers?

I take advantage of all social media platforms to get customers. I also sell my business to various people and make nationwide deliveries. I’m currently negotiating with an online store so I can make buying and selling easy and efficient for customers.

The greatest challenge I’m facing right now is my competition. Some of my competitors come into the market and sell low quality material. It’s slightly affecting my business because when people are about to buy something from you they tell you Brand A is selling this for a lower price so they expect me to sell for the same price. Customers many times fail to realize that it’s not the same quality and that can be frustrating.

I went to two different high schools: Caleb International School and Peaklane College. At Caleb I was bubbling because my squad and I were lit. I did so many funny things but I was very unserious and I had no plans for the future. However, when I moved to Peaklane, I began to shape up and started to have hope that I could be better and I did indeed finish as a better person.

What are some key lessons that entrepreneurship has taught you?

Always follow your gut. I remember when I shared my business idea to my close friend and he told me to change the name because ‘Legit’ does not look like something that’s going to trend. That was the moment I learned that it’s not everybody you should share your ideas with. As entrepreneurs you’ll always have to trust your instincts because if losses are made it’s yours to bear. I’ve also learned to save up. Its important to realize that the money you make after selling your products or rendering services is not yours to spend. It is not your profit! You need to put back into your business to expand it and give your business a stand in the industry. If Aliko Dangote spent all the money he made from his first sales lavishly, there won’t be a Dangote group of companies today. Always invest wisely.What is one thing your brand needs to improve on?

I’ll say that’s marketing. I already know my quality is good and now I have to find how to convince the market and potential customers to patronize me. By God’s grace, I know how to do that well and the social media outlets have actually been very helpful.

Word of advice for those who want to start up businesses like yours?

It is my belief that marketing is very crucial to the success of any business. Once you’ve discovered how and where your potential customers will come from, set a target for yourself and stick with it for now. Like I said earlier, make sure you spend wisely and put at least 80% of the money you’ve made back into the business. If you’re just starting, I’ll advise that you should study your market wisely and know their needs. Finally, always make sure your business is accounted for.